Eric John Palomaki, 53, a longtime resident of Erwin Township in Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec., 21, 2011.      Eric was born at Grand View Hospital on Sept. 17, 1958, the son of Vieno (Riihimaki) and the late Veikko Palomaki. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1976, and received an associate degree from DeVry Electronics Technical College in 1978.      He was employed at Control Data Electronics in Minneapolis, Data Controls Inc. of Long Beach, Calif., Indianhead Ski Resort and Coon's Franklin Lodge in Arbor Vitae, Wis.      Eric loved his daughter, Cassandra, taking care of mom and the farm, his precious cat, Minky Rinky, family and friends.      He is survived by his mother, Vieno Palomaki, Ironwood; daughter, Cassandra Palomaki, U.S. Army, Fort Polk, La.; sisters, Sue (Jeff) Wertanen, Apple Valley, Minn., and Verna (Jack) Underwood, Brownsburg, Ind.; brother, Wayne (Eideta) Palomaki, Bremerton, Wash; nephews, Neal Wertanen, Alex, Thomas and Zachary Underwood, and Wayne Palomaki Jr.; and nieces Cassie Wertanen and Ashley Palomaki.      Eric was preceded in death by his father, Veikko Wilfred Palomaki, on Oct. 10, 1987.      Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Peggy Rose officiating.      Committal will take place at the funeral home, with l uncheon to follow at Manny's in Ironwood.      Spring inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      To view Eric's obituary online, sign his guestbook or offer condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.